[Hotflush Recordings]

As one half of Lazer Sword, Lando Kal is responsible for some of the funkiest bleep and beats found on the West Coast. Inspired by hip-hop, glitch, and the sonic rhythms of California, this duo has released many party anthems and mixtapes, culminating in a self-titled album for Innovative Leisure last year. On his own, however, Lando Kal has transplanted to Berlin and the change in locale shows on his debut single for Hotflush.

Recalling the recent work of FaltyDL on You Stand Uncertain, “Further” runs the gamut of funky, UK garage, house, and soulful bass music. A simple looping R&B phrase, crackling synths, and a steady beat comprise the meat of the track while the slinky bass line is undeniably the backbone on which it all rests. It’s like one of those bouncing balls that you need to follow, but this time it’s your body following it rather than your eyes. This is an incredibly versatile track, sounding like many of the styles I’ve mentioned, but adding up to something that isn’t beholden to any of them. In this way, the genre-defying work of Joy O is a suitable reference point. On the flipside, “Time Out” is the more minimal kin to “Further,” with similar textures but less focus on shaking bass lines. The vocals are delayed and dubbed to a greater degree, and the percussion is slightly more kinetic, shifting through a few different patterns over the track’s course. Of the two, “Further” is definitely the shining light here, overshadowing the more subtle and less fresh B-side. Although unexpected from one half of Lazer Sword, this single reveals more of Lando Kal’s influences and his ability to adapt them to make different sounds.